I like to have energy drinks every once in awhile, such as before a soccer game or a big test. However, aspartame (and other chemicals) make me weary. I virtually do not drink carbonated beverages any more since I dropped 30 lb and plan on keeping it off, nor do I drink sweet tea, or any other concoctions that may claim to be healthy but are in fact laden with sugar. I do however enjoy my energy drinks and was dismayed to see that red bull (sugar free version) energy drinks contain aspartame. However, as far as i can tell, Sobe Adrenalin rush does not, and it is another favorite of mine. Im curious to know how others feel about these energy drinks. While aspartame is not in the sobe that I drink, other chemicals who's effect I know nothing about are in it. If anyone could tell me anything about the chemicals in these drinks, the safest energy drink, or anything that you feel relates to this subject, I want to hear about it.

citricacid or 2-hydroxy-1,2,3-propanetricarboxylic acid, HO2CCH2C(OH)(CO2H)CH2CO2H, an organic carboxylic acid containing three carboxyl groups
CAUTION AND WARNING! Citric acid, the unnatural type, is an excitotoxin and should be avoided, same as MSG or hydrolyzed vegetable proteins. Citric acid is naturally found in citrus fruits and is also a part of the Krebs cycle, and therefore is not harmful in its natural state.

EsterGum AKA Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin - it's an emulsifier. What is an emulsifier? This is something that helps stabalize a solution. Think -getting oil and water to be closer friends-.

Monopotassium Phosphate Not only is it quality food, it's also used for household fertilizers and biological waste treatment. Gross.

Gum Arabic A flavor and thickening agent. This is also known as "Arabic Gum" - made from an acacia tree.

Cyanocobalamin is Vitamin B-12.

Hope this helps. Search engines are wonderful thing and a couple of these links go to a site that has all the info you need on energy drinks.

Many of the "chemicals" you are referring to are supplemental amino acids, vitamins, or other nutrients being supplemented into the drink.

Taurine is an amino acid which is found in free or simple peptides. It's been found that its therapeutic benefits can help in hepatic and ocular disorders, diabetes, congestive heart failure, and detoxification.

D-Ribose plays a vital role in both myocardial and skeletal muscle metabolism. It has been shown to help those with cardiovascular disease and, in some people, those with Fibromyalgia Syndrome.